4.48 Psychosis

Most recent performance

There are currently no scheduled performances of 4.48 Psychosis.
It was last on stage 24 April—4 May 2018 as part of the Spring 2017/18 season.

Background

Philip Venables propelled himself to the forefront of contemporary opera with his 2016 adaptation of 4.48 Psychosis, the astonishing final play by the radical British playwright Sarah Kane. Venables responded to the melody and rhythm innate to Kane’s writing to create an innovative and extremely powerful work of music theatre. ‘Venables has done wonderful things’, wrote The Guardian, and for The Telegraph his adaptation is ‘rawly powerful and laceratingly honest’. The opera won the 2016 UK Theatre Award for Achievement in Opera and the 2017 Royal Philhamonic Society Award for Large-Scale Composition, and was nominated for the 2017 Olivier Award for Best New Opera Production.

Kane’s play was first performed posthumously in 2000. It does not specify cast or stage directions, instead presenting 24 fragmented episodes that draw on Kane’s own struggles with depression. Kane’s message is dark and at times harrowing, but leavened with poetry, humour and a humane warmth that only deepens the text’s emotional impact. Venables sets the play for six female singers and chamber ensemble, who are integrated into the action in Ted Huffman’s fluid production.

Guidance

Thanks to

Co-commission with

Tickets

Tickets are available from the Royal Opera House as well as from the Lyric Hammersmith. Please check when booking opens at each venue

Low price tickets for Under 16 and other special concessions can be purchased from the Lyric, subject to availability.There is also a free performance on Monday 23 April for people who live or work in Hammersmith and Fulham.Please visit the Lyric's website for details, or call their Box Office on 020 8741 6850 when booking opens

Accessibility

The Lyric Hammersmith is a fully accessible building. Visitors with access requirements who wish to book accessible seating are advised to contact the Lyric's Box Office Team either by phone on 020 8741 6850, via the Next Generation Text Service on 18001 020 8741 6850, via email at access@lyric.co.uk, or in person

Please note that the Royal Opera House Box Office will not handle accessible booking for these performances